The Welsh FA dedicate their Cymru vs Montenegro Match as a sustainability-themed fixture
As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability (Cymru Wellbeing & the World), the Football Association of Wales (FAW) marked the Cymru vs Montenegro match on 14 October as a sustainability-themed fixture which followed the ‘Football and a Sustainable Future event’ at Cardiff City Stadium on the same day.
This particular initiative stemmed from the FAW’s ACCESS Action Plan which listed the three priority focuses not only for what concerns the ACCESS project but also for securing good practices of sustainable events and processes by testing them and making them there to stay. The goal? To harness the power of football to inspire sustainable behaviours among fans and communities across Wales.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel
A key focus of the event was promoting sustainable travel to the stadium. Despite matches being held in Cardiff, surveys revealed that only 20% of fans use public transportation. Recognising the challenges posed by Wales’ rural landscape and long travel distances, the FAW collaborated with Transport for Wales (TfW) to improve train services. This included increased capacity, better timetables, and fewer cancellations during match days.
The campaign emphasised the environmental benefits of choosing trains, buses, carpooling, cycling, or walking to matches. The FAW has set a goal of increasing sustainable travel from 55.5% to 60%.
Here’s why this matters:
- Travelling by coach saves 144g of CO₂ emissions per kilometre compared to single-occupancy cars.
- Rail travel saves 130g of CO₂ per kilometre.
- Car-sharing reduces emissions by 128g of CO₂ per kilometre.
- Walking or cycling not only cuts emissions but also supports physical health, with just 30 minutes of walking daily improving fitness and reducing stress.
Expanding Environmental Education
The FAW also used the match to highlight broader sustainability principles, encouraging fans to engage in the “4R approach” (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover) and support initiatives like forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and litter picking. Key partnerships with UEFA, Size of Wales, Keep Wales Tidy, and the National Trust provided fans with actionable steps to make a difference both on and off the pitch.
Accessible Matchday Information
To help fans plan their journeys sustainably, the FAW added detailed active and sustainable travel guidance to its matchday information. This included cycling/walking routes, bus and train links, and parking details. Supporters were encouraged to use services like the Cardiff Bus 95 or train stations at Ninian Park and Grangetown. Bicycle racks at the stadium further supported active travel options.
A Movement Toward a Greener Future
The FAW’s sustainability initiatives don’t stop at travel. The association continues to champion efforts to reduce football’s environmental footprint, collaborating with UEFA and local organisations to align with global sustainability standards. By leading the charge, Cymru fans—the passionate Red Wall—are proving that football can be a powerful force for change.
Whether it’s adopting sustainable travel, protecting forests, or cleaning up local communities, every action counts. Together, we can ensure a brighter, greener future for Wales and beyond.
Photo credits: Transport for Wales